In the early hours of Tuesday morning, tragedy struck on the southbound 110 Freeway in South Los Angeles when a tow truck driver, offering aid on the shoulder, was fatally struck in a hit-and-run incident. The collision was reported just after 1:30 a.m. near Florence Avenue, according to both KTLA and CBS News Los Angeles.
The unidentified tow truck driver was at the scene aiding an individual when they were hit by another vehicle. The driver of that vehicle fled the scene on foot after abandoning the car, as detailed by the California Highway Patrol. As per a statement obtained by KTLA, California Highway Patrol Officer Gomez mentioned that the suspect vehicle was subsequently located, yet the driver had already fled the area.
First responders from the Los Angeles Fire Department were called to the scene, where they pronounced the tow truck driver dead. The freeway remained closed for hours as investigators processed the distressing scene. The closure significantly impacted morning commuters, with specific lanes closed, leading to delays and a Sig Alert issued just south of Florence Avenue, reported CBS News Los Angeles.
KTLA also highlighted a call to action by authorities; anyone with additional information or video of the incident is urged to get in touch with the California Highway Patrol. By 7 a.m., all lanes had been reopened as efforts to ease the gridlock began.